Joseph Tarka

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka (10 July 1932 – 30 March 1980) was a Nigerian politician, teacher, and nationalist from present-day Benue State. He was a founding member and president of the United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC), where he championed the political rights of minority groups in Nigeria's Middle Belt. Tarka served as Federal Commissioner for Transport (1967–1971) and Communications (1971–1974) under General Yakubu Gowon, and later represented Benue East in the Nigerian Senate during the Second Republic until his death in 1980. "How can we be on our land?" Eric Teniola, "Tarka and the lingering Tiv/Fulani clash" – Punch Newspapers "I will Tarka him." John Charles, "Tarka: Statesman who took Middle Belt to national relevance" – Punch Newspapers